How to use public speaking to become a thought leader

Speaking is a credible way to build thought leadership. Public speaking effectively relays your ideas and opinions to an audience that wants to hear about it and can sense your authenticity and passion in real time. It is a powerful way to build trust that is essential to becoming a thought leader.

In today’s competitive corporate environment, it is becoming increasingly important to stand out. You can increase your influence and impact by becoming a thought leader. As an emerging leader in your space, you are constantly striving to improve and innovate. An expert is well-known and respected in their field but a thought leader is an expert who is willing to share their knowledge, ideas and opinions to a wider audience.

Thought leadership is about being known for making a difference, to create a significant impact in your industry. And one of the ways to make an impact is to contribute to society by speaking to an avid audience. When you have a clear message about a topic, standing on stage with an attentive audience that clings on to every word and nods at every period will be impactful and underlines your thought leadership.

Public speaking provides an intimate connection to your audience. Unlike other mediums, when you are up on stage, you can get a raw instant feedback from your audience. Engaging with them helps to focus in and amplify your ideas.

When you are just starting out as a public speaker, it is important to have the main focus idea pinned down. Master your niche instead of parlaying disparate ideas. Be intentional about one specific topic that is relevant and impactful in your industry. The topic should be catered to the audience, it needs to be something that your audience is facing currently or on an on-going basis.

Picking a relevant topic will determine if the audience decides to walk into your workshop at a conference versus someone else’s, so find a creative way to conjoin the technical with the emotional outcomes.

Once you have them in the room and you give them an educational and interactive talk, it is time to use the proximity to hone in on the message. Interact with our audience off stage and gather as much feedback as possible. Ask pointed questions about specific portions and use the organic feedback to improve and enhance the presentation for future opportunities.

Use public speaking as an opportunity to hone your ideas and build credibility. These will not only make you relevant in the industry but also help you foster new connections with other thought leaders.